(3/31/2007)
Bad weather over recent weeks causing the intermitent closure of the Bali-Java ferry crossing have had a negative impact on Bali's export business resulting in missed international shipping connections from the East Java port of Surabaya.
As a result, the Chairman of the the Association of Exporters and Handicraft Producers – Bali (ASEPHI) , Ngurah Citra has called for the establishment of a direct tramper link from Bali's Benoa Harbor to Singapore.
As reported in the Bali Post, Citra claims such a link would eliminate current shipping delays, reduce costs and increase efficiencey for Bali exporters,
Citra estimates an average 90-100 containers travel by land each day from Bali to Surabaya with massive delays of good occuring every time there is an interruption of ferry service between the ports of Gilimanuk and Ketapang. Goods are delayed and Bali exporters are compelled to rent storage sheds for their stranded goods.
According to Citra, goods now shipped via Surabaya are generally destined for Singapore where shipments are consolidated for other international destinations. By intoducing a direct link Bali to Singapore, Bali exports would automatically become more competitive in the world market.
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